Kobe Bryant greatest games (2000): Classic effort in historic game 7 come-back vs Blazers

(2000) "All around effort in historic game 7 vs Portland" Shaq was the 2000 MVP. He seemed to continue his domination after scoring 41pts in game 1. But Portland shoked LA with a 29pt win, then went on a 15-2 run to open game 3. Shaq get scoreless in first quarter but LA managed to stay in the game thanks to Kobe six straight field goals. His clutch assist with 25sec to play and his last second block vs Sabonis to prevent a potential game winner captured a 25pts 7rbds 7asts effort in game 3. Down 3-1, Portland managed to win game 5 & 6, tying the series at three games apiece. O'Neal didn't make a basket in the final 16 minutes of game 6- Kobe scored 35pts but couldn't prevent the loss. Now GAME 7. The defining play of the game, the image which still remains the most in the memories is the alley hoop dunk made by Shaq in the closing seconds, putting an exclamation point to an historic come back. BUT it was Kobe not Shaq, the MVP of this game so far. At only 21 years old, Kobe lead his team in scoring with 25pts and had game high 11rbds 7asts 4blks, while playing terrific defense. O'Neal was unable to make a basket in the first 15 minutes and had only 9pts entering the 4th. So young Kobe had to step up, and at 21, he wasn't afraid of anything or anyone. He did score 25pts but played awesome defense too. His rebounds, assists & Blocks often lead to big plays. He just outplayed NBA great Scottie Pippen, who shouldn't have critisized him at the beginning of the series, in the ...